Airline, airport, hotel, destination, visa, and Muslim travel updates from Irhal.
The airline marks Philadelphia as its 14th destination in North America NEW YORK, NY, USA – Qatar Airways has reconnected Doha and Philadelphia with the launch of a daily non-stop flight between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), its 14th destination in North America, which resumed on 1 August 2026.
Read full storyThis summer, Central Shopping Centers invites international visitors to experience the best of shopping, dining, and leisure with Summer Holiday 2026, running from 20 July – 30 September 2026. Created exclusively for international tourists, the campaign offers shopping privileges across Thailand’s five world-class shopping malls: centralwOrld, Central Park…
Read full storyThe Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board, in cooperation with tourism associations, have launched the integrated digital platform "Ahlan Jordan" as part of measures to support the tourism sector and address the impact of regional circumstances on travel activity.
Read full storyflydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has increased its daily operations between Dubai and Naples and is set to boost its flights to Milan-Bergamo to a double-daily operation from 31 July, enhancing passenger connectivity to Italy.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 28, 2026: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced that Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum of modern and contemporary art, will open its doors on 11 December 2026 at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region's largest indoor theme park, is inviting guests to place themselves in the hands of one of DC's most iconic Super-Villains, as Kryptonite Collider officially opens.
Malaysia Retains No. 1 Position in Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, Offering GCC Travellers a Summer of Festivals, Culture and Discovery.
The Dubai-based carrier announces the start of daily flights to Aleppo from 20 July, reaffirming its connectivity to opening underserved markets Aleppo becomes the carrier’s second destination in Syria alongside Damascus
What if the most valuable thing you brought home from a trip wasn’t an object, but a story? Northern Thailand is home to dozens of ethnic communities who have carried their identities across mountains and borders for centuries – and many of them welcome curious, respectful visitors.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched the search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World, a global initiative designed to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on Travel & Tourism, local communities and economic development, and continue to redefine the future of destin…
Luxury travel today is no longer measured by how much you can see in a few days, but by how deeply you can experience a destination. At Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort, guests are invited to embrace this philosophy through Long Stay Beach Escape, an exclusive package designed for travelers who wish to enjoy more of Phuket's culture, wellness, and f…
Read full storyTwo hotels, three ways to stay, and one summer campaign inviting guests to choose their own scene across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai
Read full storySharjah Museums Offer an Integrated Summer Experience Blending Culture, Science, and Discovery for All Community Members
Read full storyNew five-day programme empowers young people to build confidence, resilience and lifelong skills while embracing active lifestyles
Read full storyAcross Five Museums with Interactive Museum Programmes Enriching Children’s Knowledge
Read full storyOceans of Lights Festival returns to SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in its third edition to offer a summer program full of activities and new experiences
Read full storyJuly 2026, Yerevan, Armenia: Armenia has extended its temporary visa-free entry arrangement, keeping the country within easy reach for eligible travellers from across the Gulf for a further year. The arrangement now runs until 1 July 2027.
Read full storyJuly 2026, Yerevan, Armenia: The competent Armenian authorities announced the extension of the temporary decision exempting eligible travelers from GCC countries from prior visa entry for an additional year, making the decision effective until July 1, 2027. This decision aims to facilitate travel procedures and tourism movement and exchange between Armenia and the Arab Gulf region, allowing travelers…
Read full storySet within Khalid Lagoon, the island shows how Sharjah brings art, nature and design into everyday public life.
Read full storyBlending cultural discovery with elevated wellness and leisure experiences, World of Hyatt summer destinations offer GCC travelers seasonal getaways across the GCC, Africa and Europe.
Read full storyAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 30, 2026: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has officially been awarded the Guinness World Records™ title for the most waterslides in a waterpark, featuring a record-breaking collection of 55 slides.
Read full storyExperience the Colours of Malaysia at Citrawarna 2026 This Summer
Read full storyGermany is an ideal destination for friends traveling together, thanks to its creative neighborhoods, vibrant markets, street food culture, and stunning natural retreats
Read full storyFollowing the launch of its first collaboration in 2025, the Jacquemus brand returns this summer to the Monte Carlo Beach Club with a new design that reimagines the coastal atmosphere with a contemporary spirit. The design evokes the spirit of 1950s beach clubs, where elegance meets the calm Mediterranean lifestyle.
Read full storyShowing 265–288 of 5,397
The term "Black Forest" generally brings to mind moist cakes, but Maria Amaral, Director Marketing & Sales of the German National Tourist Office wants to change that impression. She is inviting GCC tourists to visit Germany and experience Nature. Speaking at a Press Conference in Dubai, she stressed that Germany is not just about shopping at The Zeil in Frankfurt or visting the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Or…
Qatar Airways started non-stop service between Doha and Ras Al Khaimah, its fifth destination in the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah is known to be a gateway to many of the UAE’s natural treasures, popular for weekend getaways for travellers from the GCC, and a resort destination for longer stays for travellers from China, Europe and India. Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight arrived with a Qatar Airways…
British Airways customers will be able to take off to Tehran this summer when the airline resumes direct flights to the Iranian capital on July 14th. The route will launch as a six-per-week service before moving to daily flights from winter 2016, giving customers even more choice and flexibility between London and the Middle East. The service from Heathrow Terminal 5 will be operated by a four-class Boeing…
Dubai International retained its position as the world’s number one hub for international passengers by registering annual traffic of just over 78 million in 2015, according to a traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports. Boosted by the growth of some 100 airlines that connect Dubai International to more than 240 destinations around the world, most notably Emirates and flydubai, annual passenger…
United Airlines is introducing daily nonstop flights between its San Francisco International Airport hub and Singapore’s Changi Airport, effective June 1, 2016 (westbound), subject to government approval. United will be the first airline to offer nonstop service between San Francisco and Singapore, and this will be the only nonstop service to the U.S. from Singapore. United will use the world’s most…
Qatar Airways is starting 2016 with an expansion programme across Eastern Europe, enabling passengers to benefit from a wide range of additional flight options via Doha’s Hamad International Airport. The further expansion adds a further level of choice for passengers travelling between Croatia, Hungary and Azerbaijan and anywhere in the airline’s extensive global network. Flights to Zagreb and Budapest are…
InterContinental Hotels Group has celebrated the opening of InterContinental London - The O2 on the Greenwich Peninsula, London’s rejuvenated historic, entertainment and financial gateway. The stunning 453-room InterContinental London - The O2 will bring a new level of glamour to cosmopolitan guests seeking to enjoy the allure of global etiquette, timeless experiences, and the city’s local heritage.…
Celebrating the sixth anniversary of the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, the Emirates Post Office issued a commemorative postage stamp that is available at the retail kiosk on the 124th floor of the building. The At the Top observation deck now also has a mailbox from where tourists can send a postcard to their friends. Selfies posted on social media may be the quickest way to tell your friends that…
Dubai Parks and Resorts, set to be the region’s largest integrated theme park destination upon opening in October 2016, has announced its audition plans to recruit more than 400 performers to be part of its inaugural entertainment cast. Auditions will be held throughout January and February and artists across the MENA region are invited for selecting street performers, singers, dancers, actors, puppeteers and…
DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the opening of its newest property in London, the 260-room DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCel. Located in the heart of London's up-and-coming financial hub, the hotel is owned and managed by Shiva Hotels. "We are excited to welcome this beautiful hotel to the brand's growing portfolio of more than 25 properties across the U.K." said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president…
Qatar Airways’ new safety video featuring FC Barcelona players Messi, Suarez, Neymar, Pique, Rakitic and Mascherano landed as a hit across all social media channels, generating nearly 40 million views since its debut in December, a record among airline safety videos. In addition, Qatar Airways’ new brand campaign, Going Places Together, generated extraordinary attention online with 31 million views of the new…
Emirates is planning to upgrade its Dubai (DXB) - Washington D.C. (IAD) service, with the introduction of its flagship Airbus A380 on the route beginning 1st February. Replacing the existing Boeing 777-300ER used on this route, the A380 will serve the strong customer demand and restore route capacity following United Airlines’ planned withdrawal from the Washington D.C. (IAD) - Dubai (DXB) route after 25th…
Park Inn by Radisson is opening the Park Inn by Radisson in Taguatinga, Brazil. “This hotel is a welcome addition to our portfolio as we continue to explore strategic growth opportunities across Latin America with our partner Atlantica Hotels International,” said Jeffrey Freund, senior vice president, Midscale Brands, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.“Park Inn by Radisson hotels can be found all around…
Malaysia Airlines will codeshare on Emirates’s four times daily service to Dubai from Kuala Lumpur from February 15th, 2016 as part of the partnership between Malaysia Airlines and Emirates which was signed early December 2015. The partnership will also see the Malaysia Airlines and Emirates frequent flyer programmes aligned, giving customers expanded opportunities to earn and redeem points. The details of…
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has reopened its all day dining Bab Al Yam restaurant following a significant upgrade to its interior and exterior design. Inviting, inspirational and interactive, the new venue has a contemporary look with a breathtaking spacious terrace and plush shisha lounges. Taking the centre stage is an impressive brick kitchen oven giving guests an opportunity to watch Burj Al Arab’s…
Emirates has announced the expansion of its operation in Switzerland with the addition of a second daily service to Geneva effective 1st June 2016. The second daily flight will double capacity on the route and represents an overall increase of 26% for Emirates in Switzerland. The new flight will be operated by a state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration, with eight Private…
Hong Kong Airlines, an internationally-acclaimed full-service airline, will officially launch thrice-weekly flight service to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on February 27th. An all-economy class Airbus A320 aircraft will be deployed on the Phnom Penh route. The new service will further strengthen the airline’s network in Asia and offer more choices and greater convenience to passengers travelling to and from…
With existing services to Kiev, Odessa, Dneprepetrovsk, Lvov and Kherson, Turkish Airlines now adds Zaporizhzhia, one of the largest cities in Ukraine to its expanding network. Zaporizhzhia flights will be operated 4 times weekly. Introductory trip fares are available from Istanbul to Zaporizhzhia starting at 149 USD, and from Zaporizhzhia to Istanbul 139 USD (including taxes and fees). Additionally,…
It is not every day that you see a rat on a plane. But imagine having one plane grounded by a rodent spotting incident and another plane aborting takeoff because a dog ran on to the runway! According to an AP news story, both incidents involving Air India flights happened on the same day. The rat was spotted on an Air India flight to London which had to return to Mumbai. The second involved a flight that was…
While Sydney's Harbour Bridge and its iconic Opera House feature in all television reports of the arrival of the new year, the first place on earth which welcomes the new year is actually Kiritimati in the Republic of Kiribati. Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, unfortunately, it is not an easily accessible destination for tourists so not many people are likely to celebrate the new year in…
Qatar Duty Free welcomes the festive season with the installation of a spectacular Dolce&Gabbana display featuring a larger-than-life snow globe at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The snow globe, at four metres high, is the centrepiece of a display showcasing Dolce&Gabbana’s luxurious products, and celebrates the launch of their newest fragrance for men, The One Royal Night. It will be on display until 14…
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Grand Bay Hotel, to unveil the Sheraton Phuket Grand Bay Resort. Slated to open in January 2019 on Thailand’s largest island, the hotel will support the brand’s Sheraton 2020 goal of adding 150 hotels in the next five years. “We look forward to partnering with Grand Bay Hotel Co., Ltd. to expand Starwood’s robust footprint in Thailand,” said Rajit…
Dubai's Global Village - the international cultural extravaganza which brings together arts, crafts and food from around the world - is planning a spectacular fireworks to ring in the new year, 2016. The fireworks will be dancing to the tune of global music and will be the biggest in Global Village's 20 year history. Besides massive fireworks which will also light up Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah, Global…
Ooredoo, the fastest-growing telecommunications company in the world, has become the exclusive three-year sponsor of on-board Wi-Fi across the Qatar Airlines fleet. The three-year agreement positions Ooredoo as the Exclusive Onboard Wi-Fi Sponsor for all Qatar Airways flights that are equipped with on board Wi-Fi. Effective this December, Qatar Airways passengers on all connected aircraft will enjoy…
